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Fridays with G: Enjoying the Moment

Routine activities become so much better when G is a part of them. He forces me to slow down and notice things as I attempt to take him in the direction I want to go.

Scenario #1: Starbucks

G and I made our first non-drive thru visit to Starbucks together this past Friday, and he loved it. He walked through the store, taking in the smells, products, decorations, and people. We bought him some fruit snacks and oatmeal and found a table near the window. Soon he was admiring the big comfy chair, perusing the Wall Street Journal, and smiling at the cars going through the drive thru. He also enjoyed flirting with the baristas, who thought he was the cutest thing ever.

Scenario #2: Target

G and I have been to Target many times. And since I work there, I often don’t pay attention to much when I am shopping. G always points out the cool signs hanging from the ceiling and finds a One Spot toy to purchase. And he will pick out his favorite foods from a mile away: Wheat Thins, cookies, and bananas.

Scenario #3: Mojo’s

I love the RME building in downtown Davenport and appreciate being close to free live music, especially after having lived in a small town for nearly four years. But this isn’t something I’d necessarily expect G to appreciate. G might like it as much as I do though. My 20-month-old nephew can sit still for nearly an hour listening to the local musician play during the lunch hour, and he even does a little jig while sitting in his seat and munching on his sandwich. He points out the guitar pictures on the wall, gazes up at the open ceiling, and keeps an eye on the traffic outside the big windows. This past week, he even found interest in the floor.

Scenario #4: Cupcakes, Muffins and More

Of course G appreciates the cupcake shop. He also plays with the big stuffed bear in the window and attempts to find a way to open the front of the glass display case that holds all of the goodies. And once again, he really listens to the music, often jazz, in the background. When G hears music he likes, he gets a very sweet smile on his face and does a bit of head bopping.

Scenario #5: Rides in the Car

G points to lots of stuff as we drive by in my car. I find myself commenting on the things we see, and he talks back in his own baby language. He rarely fusses in the car, but instead enjoys the scenery and even takes a nap every now and then.

Scenario #6: Walking Outside

G notices every vehicle and person when walking down the street. He likes to point and laugh at bicyclists, maybe because they look humorous in their helmets and gear. He adds sound effects to the big trucks, busses, and emergency vehicles. And he will get sidetracked by a flower or a weed. It’s amazing. If there’s an animal in sight, hang on tight, because G will go for it.

G really pays attention to things around him. He soaks it all in and has fun with it. His carefree nature and inquisitiveness can wear me out, but it’s good for me nonetheless.

As you plod through your workday today, try to take a lesson from G and tune into the things around you while following this simple message: